Aaron Boone Facing Anthony Volpe Decision After Yankees News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Xavier Constantino | Last updated May 18, 2026 6:05 PM ET

The New York Yankees have found an unexpected storyline developing at shortstop in 2026.

Jose Caballero arrived as a low-profile trade acquisition from the Tampa Bay Rays last July but quickly emerged as the club’s everyday starter.

With Anthony Volpe recovering from offseason shoulder surgery to begin the year, Caballero seized the opportunity and has outdone expectations to the point where manager Aaron Boone opted to keep him in the starting role even after Volpe was healthy enough to return. He has been one of the team’s most important players, which has made his injury all the more painful.

Caballero said Monday that he has participated in baseball activities for the first time since landing on the 10-day injured list with a fractured right middle finger, according to Meredith Marakovits of YES Network.

José Caballero said he’s doing some baseball activities today for the first time since landing on the IL #yankees
— Meredith Marakovits (@M_Marakovits) May 18, 2026

The 29-year-old was hurt on May 10 while diving back to first base on a pickoff attempt during a loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. Boone described it as a “small fracture” with tendons and ligaments intact. Caballero has said he would be back with the team on May 22, when he’s eligible to return from the IL.

When Caballero does return, Boone said the expectation is that he will reclaim his starting role at shortstop.

In his absence, the Yankees recalled Volpe from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as a corresponding move. The 25-year-old was recently optioned following his rehab stint, and the Yankees quickly pivoted to him.

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (11)© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

In 41 games this season, Caballero is hitting .259 with a .320 on-base percentage, .400 slugging percentage and 13 stolen bases. Once he is eligible to return, Boone will have to decide on Volpe's role going forward. With the Yankees sitting at 28-19 and three games back in the AL East, getting Caballero back healthy is the priority.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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